Development of polyclonal antisera to clone enterovirus 71 cellular receptor.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Enterovirus 71 (ENV71) is a member of Picornaviridae family and was shown to be of public health concern in the Far East because of the notorious outbreaks it caused, with novel clinical features in the affected patients. In this study we assessed the use of virus capsid protein VP1 in viral receptor research. Material and Methods: The capsid protein (VP1) was cloned, expressed in a prokaryotic system, and purified for immunisation of rabbits. The immunisation was carried out according to the UK Home Office regulations. The polyclonal antisera were collected and tested for reactivity against recombinant and native VP1 of ENV71. Results: Both antisera were reactive against native and partially/fully denatured viral particles. Conclusion: The antisera are functional in receptor studies.